The 5R Approach to Say Goodbye to IBS for Good.
Let’s be real—if you’ve ever dealt with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), you know it’s a nightmare. Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, constipation, diarrhea—pick your poison. And it doesn’t just hit once in a while. For up to 70 million people in the U.S. (and, let’s face it, a huge chunk of them are women), it’s a constant battle.
If you’re sitting there nodding, I get it. Finally getting that IBS diagnosis? It’s a win—but it’s only half the battle. Now, what’s your doctor gonna give you? A prescription to mask the pain (because that solves the root cause, right?) or a mysterious one-pager about the Low FODMAP Diet with zero clue on how to follow it. Sound familiar?
Here’s the thing. There is an actual way to tackle this, and it’s not just about symptom management. You need a plan that heals from the inside out—and that’s where the 5R approach comes in.
The 5R Approach is your roadmap to reclaiming your digestive health once and for all. It’s what I use to help clients who are ready to say goodbye to IBS for good.
The 5R Program Goals:
- Reconnect with a diet and lifestyle that supports your digestive health (not sabotage it).
- Normalize digestion and absorption—because your gut deserves to work, not just exist.
- Balance the microbiome (aka, the good bacteria party in your gut).
- Heal that gut lining so it actually does its job.
- Build a sustainable life balance so you don’t fall back into the same IBS trap again.
The 5R’s Are:
- Remove
- Replace
- Reinoculate
- Repair
- Rebalance
Let’s break them down and show you how these steps can be your IBS-slaying weapon.
Step 1: REMOVE
Before we do anything, we need to figure out what’s wrecking your gut. Is it a food sensitivity? An overgrowth of bad bacteria? Or is it stress? All of these things are common IBS triggers, and we’ve gotta clear them out.
First, we’ll get to the root cause of your issues with food sensitivity testing. Why? Because food sensitivities don’t show up immediately. They can take 72 hours to hit you, making it impossible to figure out on your own. With testing, we can pinpoint exactly what’s causing havoc—and get you on an elimination diet that works. It’s way more effective than guessing.
Then, let’s talk about stool testing. It sounds fun, I know—but this is where we find out what’s REALLY going on inside your gut. Bacterial imbalances, yeast overgrowth, methanogens, viruses… These are often the culprits, and they’re not something you can just ignore.
And don’t forget stress. Your gut and brain are besties, and when stress strikes, your gut feels it. Slowing down when you eat is essential. If you’re the type to scarf down a meal while driving (no judgment, we’ve all been there), it’s time to hit pause. Take the time to eat slowly and mindfully. Your gut will thank you.
Step 2: REPLACE
Now that we’ve removed the bad stuff, it’s time to put the good stuff back in. We’re talking digestive enzymes (if you’re low on them), extra fiber to help your digestion, and nutrients to keep everything running smoothly.
I’ll also check for any vitamin or mineral deficiencies and address those. Because when your gut is running smoothly, it’ll help you absorb all the nutrients your body craves—and that’s exactly what we’re after.
Step 3: REINOCULATE
Now for the fun part: restoring your gut microbiome. This is essential for a healthy digestive system. Think of it as creating a happy, healthy ecosystem in your gut, where good bacteria thrive and the bad guys are kept in check.
I recommend adding fermented foods to your diet—sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha—things like that. Or, if you’re not into DIY, we can also go for a targeted probiotic, depending on your IBS symptoms. (Constipation? Diarrhea? These need different strains), and prebiotics.
Step 4: REPAIR
Your gut lining might be thinner than you think (only one cell thick!), but it’s incredibly important. If it’s inflamed or leaky, you’re not absorbing nutrients properly, and your gut can’t do its job.
We repair it with herbs, zinc, omega-3s, and fatty acids that soothe and rebuild the lining. But remember: we can’t move to this step until we’ve fully cleared the bad stuff in step 1. Otherwise, you’ll just be spinning your wheels.
Step 5: REBALANCE
Stress. It’s a huge part of IBS. If you’re not managing your stress properly, your digestive system is paying the price. This is where we focus on how you handle stress. It’s not about eliminating stress (hello, we’re all human), but about shifting how you respond to it.
Here’s a list of tools to help you regain control over your stress: therapy, laughter, dancing, yoga, deep breathing, meditation, journaling, walks in nature, massages, tai chi… You get the idea. Find what works for you and use it.
Ready to Overcome Your IBS for Good?
If you’re tired of the endless cycle of IBS pain, gas, and bloating, the 5R approach is your key to healing. It’s not an overnight fix—it’s a journey, but one that leads to lasting relief.
I’ve got a 12-week program designed to guide you through every step of this process, and it’s waiting for you. If you’re a woman ready to take control of your digestive health, let’s get started. You deserve to feel good. You deserve to heal. And I’m here to help you make it happen.
Click here to jumpstart your digestive reset and say goodbye to IBS forever.